Feedback from: Jonathan Debono

Submitted on:
27/04/2005 09:25:23

Subject:
Retirement Age

Comments:
I would like to comment on the new pensions reform, and change in retirement age. I suggest that the retirement age is to be determined by the employees themselves, and not by the government or my the employer. A standard rules of proceedures should apply to be able to retire, say at 55. These same rules should also apply if you wish to retire at 60, 61 or 65 or even 70 maybe. But this decision should be left free for the workers and not emposed by any government, employer or politicians. Example, if you pay a certain amount of N.I. a minimum sum or work a minimum of 25 years, you should be allowed to retire and receive a pro-rata pension. The same should apply to workers who wish to work reduced hours on an optional basis. This helps worker motivation and the country's economy will also benefit, as government saves on wages and on health services. But Oh, what a coincidence, most of our main and top politicians will be 52 this year, and thus they will not be affected with this pensions reform, but the young workforce has to put pressure in place, so they are not negatively affected by this reform. It is time we introduce optional schemes for retirement and for 35 hours work a week. We should look forward, especially now, that we form part of EU. And apart from this, it is also time that we middle class workers receive some benfits back, after paying lots of money in N.I. and F.S.S. Tax ceilings should be revised, as wages increase also should tax ceilings increase.

Attached Documents:

Ministry for Social Policy
Palazzo Ferreria, 310 Republic Street
Valletta CMR 02, MALTA

Social Policy Information Centre: 159
Telephone: (+356) 2590 3100
Fax: (+356) 2590 3121
E-mail: pensions@gov.mt